Our experts give their views on the state of the hurling nation and the destination for Liam MacCarthy

In recent years, we’ve held our championship chat at the outset of summer. But having heard often enough that the championship really begins now at the quarter-final stage, this year we waited. So with just five chapters left to turn, our experts Anthony Daly, John Considine, Eoghan Cormican, John Fogarty and Enda McEvoy broke bread and considered the state of the hurling nation. Larry Ryan threw it in.

Larry Ryan:

Again this year, the championship hasn’t exactly caught fire, but has there been anything in particular that excited you or surprised you so far?